The Nativity Story - A Movie for Husbands

This evening I went to see the Nativity Story. All in all it was a pretty good movie; the Wise Men got on the scene a little bit early; but what should we expect, it's called the "Nativity". People are going to expect to see the classic nativity scene; Jesus in the manger, the shepherds and the wise men there at the same time. The makers of the movie did a lot of research and stayed true to the biblical record for the most part. There were a few scenes where I think they must have borrowed some props from the Passion of the Christ - very realistic.

What impressed me most about the movie was watching Joseph care for his wife-to-be, Mary. Time and time again you see Joseph put Mary's needs ahead of his own. We see Joseph as a provider and protector of Mary. I couldn't help but think about how every woman longs for her husband to put her needs before his own, to provide for her, to offer protection, leadership, and selflessness. I thought of Paul's words in Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her".

I've spoken to too many men in the past 8 years of full-time ministry who have completely ignored this command from God. I've heard from too many women who are hurt or hurting as a result of a husband who is only looking out for themselves. To be honest, there have been times when I've put myself before my wife. Anytime I love myself more than my spouse there are problems. I'm always telling those who are engaged, "If you want to destroy your marriage, just put yourself first, just be selfish."

I'm thankful for the gentle reminders that God gives me, like a movie about the nativity of all things, to stay on track and to be selfless. Tonight I'm recommitting to putting Tammy first... She's going to love reading this blog in the morning!!